Press Releases

Y’ello Congo! MTN officially launches Republic of Congo operation

The MTN Group is pleased to announce the official launch of MTN Congo today, following the Group’s acquisition of Libertis Telecom (100% stake) in December 2005. As of today, the MTN brand replaces all previous Libertis Telecom branding on products, at points of sale, including public phones, and in advertising and other materials.

The acquisition of Libertis Telecom was in line with the MTN Group’s strategy to consolidate its position as the leading provider of telecommunications in developing markets and further entrenches MTN’s leadership on the African continent.

MTN Congo’s vision mirrors that of the Group’s existing operations – to increase access to communication through providing customers with products and services that are relevant, cutting-edge and affordable.

Says MTN Group’s Executive Vice-President, West and Central Africa region, Mr Christian De Faria: "The determination to expand, innovate and lead remains a hallmark of our Group’s strategy. MTN Congo will benefit from the strong foundation built by Libertis as it harnesses the experience and skills of the MTN Group to better position its offering to the Congolese market. Being part of the MTN Group brings significant advantages, including the experiential ability to adapt appropriate services to the customers’ requirements and introducing innovative technological developments.”

Recording 222 000 subscribers (31 March 2006) in country with a population of approximately three million and an estimated mobile penetration rate of 16%, the opportunity for MTN Congo to facilitate communications access to as many Congolese people as possible is vast. The MTN Group is renowned for introducing affordable products that are adapted to suit the lifestyle of its customers.

To mark the official launch of MTN Congo CEO, Mr Yannick Bourdeu, announced the introduction of MTN Number4Life, which allows MTN subscribers to retain their original mobile phone number regardless of how often they make a call. In the months ahead MTN Congo subscribers can look forward to accessing more cutting-edge technologies available to MTN subscribers across the continent.

With a focus on customer centricity, MTN Congo will widen and strengthen its network of approved distributors and aims to install a Call Centre in every city. MTN Congo will also work closely with suppliers to bring better deals to customers.

MTN Congo plans to invest 10 billion FCFA in infrastructure development in the 2006 financial year. This will include the construction of its own core network between Brazzaville and Pointe Noir, which will significantly increase national coverage and reduce congestion in Brazzaville. Furthermore, it is expected that more than 60 new base transceiver stations will be installed by December 2006.

As a good corporate citizen, MTN Congo will endeavour to become an employer of choice and will focus on capacity building, recruiting an additional 20 employees in the coming months.

In line with the MTN Group’s commitment to corporate social responsibility, MTN Congo will contribute to the country’s socio-economic development in the areas of education and other identified national priorities.